The Oklahoma Bar Journal January 2026

O klahoma B ar F oundation N ews

Meet 2026 OBF President Courtney Briggs

Why did you decide to be a lawyer? I decided to become a lawyer after working in publishing in New York, where I spent years negotiating contracts as a literary agent and later handling international rights at Random House. Those roles gave me a front-row seat to how critical a strong legal understanding is in protecting authors, shaping deals and helping people understand their rights and options in general. What is one thing you’re glad you tried but would never do again? Raising three daughters has involved plenty of brave experiments, but one thing I’m glad I tried just once was hosting a sleepover for an entire middle school friend group. It was wonderful, chaotic and deeply educational. I treasure the memory, but I’m satisfied with it remaining a one-time event. Are there any social norms that completely baffle you? I struggle with the norm of documenting life instead of experiencing it. With three daughters who are practically glued to their phones, moments barely begin before they’re photographed, filtered and posted. I appreciate the connectivity technology brings, but I question how this became our default. What is your biggest pet peeve with modern technology? What frus trates me most is how technology can replace meaningful interaction with superficial contact. A text or a notification often substitutes a real conversation, even when connection is exactly what people need. What is on your bucket list? I’d love to spend a significant amount of time living in France. I have a personal connection to the Loire Valley, where my grandmother’s family had a home for nearly a century. Growing up, I spent summers there and spoke only French. Returning and experiencing the region fully with family and friends is a dream I hope to make a reality. Explain the leadership roles you hold in professional and/or commu nity settings and why these responsibilities are important to you. I served for years on the board of the Oklahoma City Ballet, helping purchase a new building that enhanced the school and production spaces, an experience that was incredibly rewarding. Years ago, I also served as chairperson of the OBA Young Lawyers Division, leading public service projects throughout the state and forming lifelong friendships – friends I now see thriving in the prime of their careers. These roles are meaningful because they allowed me to make an impact in our communities.

OBF President Courtney Briggs and her family. From left daughters Courtney and Carly, President Briggs, daughter Claire and husband Tim

Courtney Briggs

Law School:

OU College of Law

Graduation Year: Current Employer:

1991

Partner at Derrick & Briggs LLP

Oklahoma City

Location:

88 | JANUARY 2026

THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL